October 15, 2025

Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill

St. Helena Island, October 15, 2025

News Summary

A tragic mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill in St. Helena Island left four dead and over 20 injured during a crowded alumni event. Witnesses described chaos and panic as patrons sought safety. The victims included a security guard. The local community mourns the loss and calls for enhanced safety measures. Investigation into the incident is ongoing.

St. Helena Island, S.C. — A tragic mass shooting occurred at Willie’s Bar and Grill early Sunday morning, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and injuring over 20 others. The incident took place during a crowded high school alumni event at the popular local establishment, where many patrons were enjoying the night until chaos erupted.

Upon arrival, sheriff’s deputies found numerous victims with gunshot wounds. Among the deceased are Kashawn Glaze, 22, A’Shan’tek Milledge, 22, Chiraad Smalls, 33, and Amos Gary, 54, who was serving as security during the event. Reports indicate that four of the injured individuals are in critical condition at nearby hospitals.

Witnesses described an atmosphere of “screaming, panic, and fear” as patrons fled towards nearby businesses to escape the violence. The owner of Willie’s Bar and Grill, Willie Turral, echoed the sentiments of many, highlighting the chaotic scene that unfolded throughout the event. The bar has become a pillar of the local community, known for its authentic Gullah-inspired cuisine.

St. Helena Island is home to approximately 5,000 residents who are part of the Gullah community, a group that descended from enslaved West Africans. This community is celebrated for its efforts in preserving unique cultural practices and heritage. In the wake of the shooting, community leaders have expressed the need for enhanced safety measures and increased law enforcement presence to address safety concerns.

A memorial has been established outside Willie’s Bar and Grill in honor of the victims, while families of those injured have begun to share their stories. One mother, Maria Pinckney, shared that her daughter, who was present at the event, was injured but is currently recovering. The community continues to mourn the loss of Amos Gary, who is remembered for his selflessness during the chaos, having acted to protect others during the shooting.

As investigations into the shooting remain ongoing, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has requested public patience. Authorities are still working to uncover the motives behind the shooting and any potential arrests that may arise in connection with the incident.

This tragic event has sparked reactions throughout the nation, with U.S. Representative Nancy Mace sharing her heartbreak over the incident on social media. The devastating effects of this shooting underscore ongoing concerns about gun violence and community safety.

Key Details of the Incident

Location: Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island, S.C.
Date: Early Sunday morning
Casualties: 4 dead, over 20 injured, 4 critically injured
Identified Victims:
- Kashawn Glaze, 22
- A’Shan’tek Milledge, 22
- Chiraad Smalls, 33
- Amos Gary, 54 (security)
Community Reactions: Memorial established, calls for increased safety measures
Investigation Status: Ongoing by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office

Background Context

Willie’s Bar and Grill serves as a significant gathering spot within the Gullah community, which is characterized by its rich cultural heritage and history. The community is recognized for its commitment to preserving traditions linked to its ancestry. Following the shooting, the community is now facing a period of mourning and reflection on the violence that has impacted their lives.

FAQ

What happened at Willie’s Bar and Grill?

A mass shooting occurred early Sunday that left four people dead and over 20 others injured during a high school alumni event.

Who were the victims identified in the shooting?

The victims were identified as 22-year-old Kashawn Glaze, 22-year-old A’Shan’tek Milledge, 33-year-old Chiraad Smalls, and 54-year-old Amos Gary.

How many people were injured in the shooting?

At least 20 others were injured, with four reported to be in critical condition.

What has the community response been?

A memorial was erected outside Willie’s Bar and Grill in remembrance of the victims, and local leaders have called for increased safety measures and law enforcement presence.

What is being done about the investigation?

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident and has requested patience from the public as they work to determine the motives behind the shooting.

Summary of Key Features

Features	Details
Location	Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island, S.C.
Date	Early Sunday morning
Victims	4 dead, over 20 injured, 4 critically injured
Community Response	Memorial established, calls for safety measures
Investigation Status	Ongoing by Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office

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Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

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